Carved
in round with angular contours, there is power and potency in this gorgeous ivory
netsuke. The lines are strong, the figure dimensional, with a decisive simplicity
that defines the stylized character with fortitude-- of a samurai dressed in the
traveling costume of a Shinto Priest. An image of a mythical hero in Japanese
culture. The netsuke is deeply incised with elaborate motifs reminiscent of Japanese
textiles. Powerful and compelling it communicates both visually and texturally.
The ivory is heavy with a light cream patina, and is in excellent condition.
Shintoism
in Japan is the indigineous religion. An integration with both land and the cycles
of life. Animistic in origin. It became integral with Japanese nationalism and
the cult of the samurai and Emperor. Today Shinto continues to woven into the
movements of the seasons and the rites of passage of Japanese life.
